Beagles for dummies

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Title:

Beagles for dummies

Author:

McCullough, Susan.

ISBN:

9780470039618

Publication Information:

Hoboken, NJ : Wiley, c2007.

Physical Description:

xvi, 270 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.

Series:

--For dummies.

Subject Term:

Beagle (Dog breed)

Holds:

Available:*

Library	Call Number	Status
Searching... Hardwood Creek Library (Forest Lake)	636.7537 MCC	Searching... Unknown

Get the scoop on bringing a Beagle home and raising him right

Beagles are an extraordinary breed--no bones about it. They're cute, compact, fun-loving, and great with kids. (Not to mention those soulful eyes!) But their sense of humor, independence, and stubborn nature isn't for everyone. So whether you're thinking about getting your very own Snoopy-dog, or if you've already opened your heart and home to one, Beagles for Dummies answers important questions like: What are Beagles supposed to look like and how should they behave? Should I choose a puppy or an adult dog? Male or female? How do I correct my Beagle's behavior problems? What do I need to do to survive my Beagle's puppyhood? How can I Beagle-proof my house to keep him (and my stuff) safe? What should I teach my Beagle to do? How do I teach him? What health problems is my Beagle likely to have when he's young? How about when he grows up--or gets old?

Life with these little hounds can lead to years of merriment, entertainment, and love--but if you think Beagles are just another hound dog, think again! Whether you want to know everything there is to living with a Beagle, or just want to skip to a relevant subject (like how to keep him out of the hamper), Beagles for Dummies gives you everything you need to choose and raise your Snoopy soul mate.

Author Notes

Susan McCullough is the author of the bestselling Housetraining For Dummies and the award-winning Senior Dogs For Dummies.

Introduction	p. 1
About This Book	p. 1
Conventions Used in This Book	p. 2
What You're Not to Read	p. 3
Foolish Assumptions	p. 3
How This Book Is Organized	p. 4
Part I Getting to Know Beagles	p. 4
Part II Starting Life with Your Beagle	p. 4
Part III Caring for Your Beagle	p. 5
Part IV Training Your Beagle	p. 5
Part V The Part of Tens	p. 5
Icons Used in This Book	p. 6
Where to Go from Here	p. 6
Part I Getting to Know Beagles	p. 7
Chapter 1 Beagles and You: Made for Each Other?	p. 9
Ain't Nothin' but a Hound Dog	p. 9
The Beagle's Bill of Rights	p. 11
Lots of love	p. 11
Safe shelter	p. 11
Food, glorious food	p. 11
Room to run (preferably with you)	p. 12
A touch of class(es)	p. 12
Great health care	p. 13
Good grooming	p. 13
Why Beagles Are Wonderful	p. 14
Buyer's Remorse: Why a Beagle May Not Be Your Dream Dog	p. 14
What to Ask Yourself	p. 15
Why do I want a Beagle?	p. 15
Do I have commitment issues?	p. 17
Is my home good for a Beagle?	p. 18
Can I afford a Beagle?	p. 19
A Final Thought	p. 20
Chapter 2 The Incredible, Lovable Beagle	p. 21
Mommy, Where Do Beagles Come From?	p. 21
The Official Beagle Blueprint	p. 24
General appearance	p. 25
Specific parts	p. 25
Why the World Loves Beagles...But	p. 28
Nobody's Perfect	p. 30
Chapter 3 Gonna Find Me a Beagle	p. 33
Good Places to Look	p. 33
A matter of breeding	p. 33
Gimme shelter	p. 38
Rescue me!	p. 40
Just Say No: Poor Places to Look	p. 44
Classified newspaper ads	p. 44
Backyard breeders	p. 45
Pet stores	p. 45
Proceed with Caution: Adopting from the Internet	p. 46
Chapter 4 Choosing Your Beagle Soul Mate	p. 47
Narrowing Your Choices	p. 47
Male or female?	p. 47
Field dog, show dog, or pet?	p. 49
Puppy or adult?	p. 49
Double your pleasure, double your fun? Maybe not	p. 50
Selecting a Puppy	p. 51
Selecting an Adult Beagle	p. 53
Pushing Papers	p. 55
Buyer or adoption contract	p. 55
AKC papers	p. 56
Health clearances	p. 57
Care instructions	p. 58
Homeward Bound? Maybe Not	p. 58
Part II Starting Life with Your Beagle	p. 59
Chapter 5 Preparing for Your Beagle's Arrival	p. 61
Choosing a Veterinarian	p. 61
Shopping for Beagle Basics	p. 63
Repeat after me: Crates aren't cruel, crates aren't cruel	p. 63
Borrowing from baby: Gates and pens	p. 65
Picking out dishes	p. 67
Chowtime!	p. 67
This Beagle's made for walkin': Collars and leashes	p. 68
Grooming gear	p. 69
Clean-up equipment	p. 69
Extra comforts of home	p. 70
Designating Beagle Spaces in Your Home	p. 71
The Beagle boudoir	p. 71
The doggy dining area	p. 72
The Beagle bathroom	p. 72
The Beagle hangout zone	p. 73
No-Beagles zones	p. 73
Beagle-Proofing Your Home and Yard	p. 73
Securing the perimeter	p. 74
Conducting a sweep	p. 75
Planning Mayhem Management	p. 76
Chapter 6 Welcoming Your Beagle Home	p. 79
Picking Up Your Beagle	p. 79
What (and whom) to bring	p. 79
Receiving the necessary papers	p. 81
From there to here: The trip home	p. 82
We're Here! Arriving Home	p. 82
First things first: A potty break	p. 83
Checking out the new digs	p. 83
Meeting the rest of the pack	p. 84
Introducing (or re-introducing) the crate	p. 86
Surviving the First Night	p. 88
Keep your Beagle with you	p. 89
...But keep your bed to yourself	p. 89
Play some (not so) funky music	p. 89
Use your hands	p. 89
Have your shoes ready	p. 90
Be patient	p. 90
Chapter 7 Beginning a Beautiful Friendship	p. 91
Bonding with Your Beagle	p. 91
Jump-starting the bonding process	p. 92
Getting a new leash (and collar) on life	p. 93
Visiting the Vet: The First Exam	p. 94
Starting Daily Routines	p. 95
Divining a dining schedule	p. 95
Pacing potty breaks	p. 96
Playing around	p. 96
Setting snoozing cycles	p. 97
Glamming it up	p. 97
Socializing Your Beagle	p. 97
Exploring the home front and beyond	p. 97
Easing a fearful adult dog into the big, bad world	p. 98
Fighting the Fear Factor	p. 99
Taming the monsters: Vacuum cleaners and blow-dryers	p. 99
Learning to love car rides	p. 100
Dealing with stairways and doorways	p. 101
Part III Carina for Your Beagle	p. 105
Chapter 8 Feeding Your Beagle	p. 107
What a Dog Wants...What a Dog Needs	p. 107
Choosing Your Beagle's Chow	p. 108
Store-bought and savory	p. 109
Homemade and delicious	p. 110
To Barf or not to Barf? Feeding a raw food diet	p. 111
But is your chow of choice good for her?	p. 112
Making the switch	p. 114
Getting the Skinny about Your Hound's Pounds	p. 114
Slimming the portly pooch	p. 114
Picky, picky, picky	p. 115
Attending to Ambience	p. 116
Treating Your Beagle Right	p. 118
Selecting scrumptious snacks	p. 118
Keeping calories under control	p. 119
Avoiding Dangerous Dining	p. 119
Your Beagle's Drinking Habits	p. 120
Chapter 9 Getting Physical: Exercising Your Beagle	p. 121
Keep Him Moving, Keep Yourself Happy	p. 122
Trying Everyday Exercises	p. 122
Walk on the wild side	p. 123
Jog your memory (or at least your feet)	p. 123
Get in the swim	p. 124
Great Sports for You and Your Beagle	p. 124
Goin' to the show	p. 125
Stay the (agility) course	p. 125
Fetch that flyball	p. 126
Opt for obedience	p. 126
Rally-ho!	p. 127
Dance with me: Canine freestyle	p. 128
Join the hunt: Field trials	p. 128
Get on the right track	p. 129
Adjusting for Age	p. 130
Chapter 10 Sprucing Up Your Beagle	p. 131
Giving Her the Brush-off	p. 131
Establishing a No-Critter Zone	p. 133
Fighting those fleas	p. 133
Banishing those ticks	p. 134
Lather Up! Bathing Your Beagle	p. 135
From dirty dog to washed dog	p. 136
Defusing the Beagle stink bomb	p. 137
Tending to Eyes and Ears	p. 138
Cleaning the windows to the soul	p. 138
Wiping out the ears	p. 138
Brushing Those Pearlies	p. 140
Trimming the Tootsies	p. 142
Addressing Your Beagle's Bottom Line	p. 144
Winterizing Your Beagle	p. 146
Chapter 11 Managing Your Beagle's Day-to-Day Health	p. 147
Working with Your Vet	p. 147
The wellness exam	p. 148
To immunize or not to immunize?	p. 148
Should your Beagle have babies?	p. 151
Can I See Your ID?	p. 153
Playing tag(s)	p. 154
Tattoo you	p. 155
A chip in the old (or not-so-old) Beagle	p. 156
Maintaining Good Health at Home	p. 156
Knowing what's normal	p. 157
Checking vital signs	p. 157
Stocking a first-aid kit	p. 160
Giving meds	p. 161
Chapter 12 Dealing with Health Issues	p. 163
Treating Puppy Problems	p. 163
Cherry eye	p. 163
Chondrodysplasia	p. 164
Puppy pyoderma	p. 164
Handling Adult Health Challenges	p. 164
Allergies	p. 164
Dental problems	p. 165
Hypothyroidism	p. 165
Idiopathic epilepsy	p. 166
Intervertebral disc disease	p. 166
Easing Your Beagle's Golden Years	p. 167
Arthritis	p. 168
Cancer	p. 169
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome	p. 170
Diabetes	p. 170
My Beagle Is Sick! What Should I Do?	p. 171
Call the doggy ambulance	p. 171
Give your vet a heads-up	p. 174
Not to worry...	p. 176
Saying Goodbye to Your Beagle	p. 177
Chapter 13 Traveling (or Not) with Your Beagle	p. 179
Taking Your Beagle with You	p. 179
Riding in cars (and trucks) with Beagles	p. 180
Leavin' on a jet plane	p. 182
Picking pet-friendly lodging	p. 184
Packing your Beagle's suitcase	p. 185
Leaving Your Beagle Home	p. 186
The friend option	p. 186
Picking a pet sitter	p. 186
What your pet sitter needs to know	p. 187
Boarding Your Beagle	p. 187
A little help from a friend	p. 188
Finding a boarding kennel	p. 188
Part IV Training Your Beagle	p. 191
Chapter 14 Housetraining Your Beagle	p. 193
Going Indoors or Out?	p. 194
Indoor potty pro's and con's	p. 194
Outdoor potty pluses and minuses	p. 195
You gotta choose	p. 195
Getting in Gear	p. 196
Don't hate the crate	p. 196
Keeping things clean	p. 197
Other helpful items	p. 198
What you absolutely don't need	p. 198
Following Five Steps	p. 198
Step 1 Create the den	p. 199
Step 2 Pick a potty place	p. 199
Step 3 Be vigilant	p. 199
Step 4 Follow a schedule	p. 200
Step 5 Be patient	p. 202
Addressing Accidents	p. 203
Catch her in the act	p. 203
Clean up without comment	p. 203
Troubleshoot the accident	p. 203
Declaring Victory	p. 204
Addressing Bathroom Issues	p. 205
She pees on her back	p. 205
He christens everything	p. 206
She strains to pee	p. 206
She pees all the time	p. 206
Chapter 15 Schooling Your Beagle	p. 207
Decoding Your Beagle's SOP	p. 208
He lives by his nose	p. 208
He never feels guilty	p. 209
He loves you, but...	p. 209
He needs consistency	p. 209
He wants to learn	p. 210
Gearing Up for Training	p. 210
Accentuating the positive with the right reward	p. 210
Collar quandaries	p. 212
Leash options	p. 213
Teaching the Basics Yourself	p. 214
His name	p. 214
Sit	p. 215
Down	p. 216
Stay	p. 217
Recall	p. 218
Off	p. 218
Walking on leash	p. 219
Go to your place	p. 219
Enrolling Your Beagle in Obedience Class	p. 220
Chapter 16 Rehabbing the Delinquent Beagle	p. 223
Solving Common Snoopy-dog Problems	p. 223
Huh? You talkin' to me?	p. 223
Putting the (play) bite on you	p. 224
Knocking that chip off her shoulder	p. 225
Taming the bouncy Beagle	p. 227
Loving you waaaay too much	p. 227
Helping the bashful Beagle	p. 229
Shushing the barking Beagle	p. 230
Keeping the wanderer home	p. 230
Teaching treat-taking manners	p. 231
Picking Experts' Brains	p. 232
Getting private lessons	p. 232
Trying day training	p. 232
Finding a Beagle shrink	p. 233
Reading your Beagle's mind	p. 234
Part V The Part of Tens	p. 235
Chapter 17 Ten Ways to Keep Your Beagle Healthy and Happy	p. 237
Find a Great Vet	p. 237
Give Her the Skinny	p. 238
Keep Her Moving	p. 238
Do Fence Her In	p. 239
Take Her to School	p. 239
Keep Her Pretty	p. 240
Be Proactive	p. 240
Trust Your Instincts	p. 241
Have a Sense of Humor	p. 242
Love, Love, Love	p. 242
Chapter 18 Ten Mistakes You Don't Need to Make with Your Beagle	p. 243
Not Doing Your Homework	p. 243
Choosing Too Quickly	p. 244
Bypassing the Crate	p. 244
Expecting Housetraining to Be Easy	p. 245
Failing to Be Vigilant	p. 245
Thinking That Your Beagle Is a Person	p. 246
Doing Things on the Cheap	p. 246
Thinking That Your Beagle Can Train Himself	p. 247
Playing Doctor	p. 247
Thinking That You Are More Important Than Bunnies	p. 248
Chapter 19 Ten Unique Beagle Occupations and Activities	p. 249
Keeping Out Forbidden Fruit (and Other Stuff)	p. 249
Shaming a President	p. 250
Inspiring Children	p. 250
Nailing the Red Baron	p. 251
Flying in (Way) Outer Space	p. 251
Comforting Other Dog Owners	p. 251
Knowing When to Mold 'Em	p. 252
Turning Out Termites	p. 252
Befriending the Famous	p. 252
Taking Us to Our Pasts	p. 252
Appendix Wanna Know More?
Additional Resources	p. 253
Turn the Pages	p. 253
Divine DVDs	p. 254
Peruse These Periodicals	p. 255
Virtually Unparalleled	p. 256
Index	p. 257

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